On May 16, 2025, plaintiffs William Matthew Hawk and José Dalby Contreras filed a civil fraud lawsuit in New York Supreme Court against Salvador Catrain Calderón, a Dominican attorney and businessman, alleging the use of forged documents in a prior U.S. litigation.

The complaint seeks damages related to legal fees incurred after the defendant submitted a promissory note bearing a falsified witness signature as the basis for a lawsuit in the United States. Plaintiffs allege that Salvador Catrain fabricated evidence and attempted to mislead the U.S. courts, resulting in a now-dismissed federal action.

A certified handwriting expert has issued an opinion confirming that the witness signature on the note was not authentic. Migratory records further demonstrate that the plaintiffs were not in the Dominican Republic on the date the promissory note was allegedly executed.

Key Allegations:

• Fraudulent submission of a forged promissory note
• Misuse of judicial process in the United States
• Intentional misrepresentation leading to legal expenses
• Damages sought: $74,999 (kept below the federal removal threshold)

Background:

This case follows a federal court dismissal with prejudice of the prior lawsuit filed by a company linked to Mr. Catrain. The plaintiffs are now seeking accountability and recovery of costs from Mr. Catrain personally.

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